A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Jerome (Jerry) F. Bauer passed away unexpectedly in Italy on Aug. 26. He was 51 years old. After graduating from Laurier, Bauer moved west to pursue his MBA from the University of British Columbia, where he fell in love with the Vancouver coast and mountains. He went on to become an accomplished CEO and business leader who became well-known for always making time for his family, friends and community.
James (Jim) Roos Breithaupt passed away peacefully on Aug. 29. He was 83 years old. Elected as a member of provincial parliament five times, Breithaupt represented the riding of Kitchener at Queen's Park from 1967 until 1985 as a member of the Liberal Party. An economist and lawyer, he held degrees from Western University and the University of Toronto. Breithaupt also served with distinction as a member of the Canadian Forces. Commissioned in the Royal Canadian Artillery after completing officer training in Shilo, Manitoba, in 1954, he rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Laurier held a special place for Breithaupt. While serving as vice-chairman of Waterloo Lutheran University's board of governors, Breithaup suggested the name "Wilfrid Laurier" when the university became a public institution in 1973. In recognition of his service and contributions, Breithaupt received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Laurier in 2006 and was honoured as one of the university's 100 alumni of achievement.
Andrew Bretz, a Shakesperean scholar who taught early modern literature and other courses in Laurier's Department of English and Film Studies, passed away on Aug. 21. He was 42 years old. Bretz's research interests included Shakespeare and early modern drama, theatre history and Renaissance literature. He had previously taught at Queen’s University.
Mary Jo DaSilva passed away on Oct. 11 after battle with cancer. She was 60 years old. DaSilva, who spent more than 20 years as an employee of Laurier's human resources department, first joined the university in 1997 as a human resources administrator. She later took on the position of pension and benefits specialist. DaSilva is warmly remembered for her positive attitude, caring nature and strong work ethic.
A former professor and dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music, Gordon K. Greene passed away on Sept. 23. He was 91 years old. Greene was born in Alberta and earned his BA, BEd and MA from the University of Alberta before leaving for Indiana University, where he earned a doctorate in musicology in 1963. He was a professor and chair in the music history department at Western University before joining Laurier in 1978. Greene served as dean of the Faculty of Music from 1979 to 1989 and again from 2005 to 2006, helping build the faculty into a national leader.
Laurier professor emeritus Paul Heyer passed away in August. Heyer earned degrees in geography, sociology and a PhD in anthropology from Rutgers University before going on to make significant contributions in the field of communication studies, which he began teaching at Laurier in 2001. As well as a highly accomplished scholar and popular undergraduate teacher, Heyer was a beloved and generous colleague and mentor. He also made significant contributions to graduate student teaching and was instrumental in establishing Laurier's master's program in Communication Studies. Outside of academics, Heyer was an avid cyclist and archer, as well as an accomplished long-distance runner who completed several marathons, including Boston and New York.
Douglas Karr died peacefully in his sleep in Lahaina, Maui, on April 24. Karr possessed a love of travel and eventually discovered the place he loved most – islands, whether Canary, Cook or Hawaiian. Karr lived in Maui for the past 30 years and was always a gracious host and tour guide to his many friends who visited. Karr followed and remained a steadfast fan of the Hawks, Blue Jays and Tiger-Cats.
An employee at Laurier for more than 24 years, Sarah Wilkinson passed away on Aug. 20. Wilkinson joined Laurier in 1994, starting her career in mail services. In 1999, she moved to the finance office, working in the accounts payable department. Remembered for her sense of humour, caring heart and willingness to help, Wilkinson was an active member of the Laurier community, including assisting with the university's annual Christmas toy drive.